The international break has delivered a “nightmare scenario” for Leicester City, with star midfielder and top scorer Jordan James hobbling off during Wales’ penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With an apparent Achilles injury potentially ending James’s season, manager Gary Rowett faces a tactical puzzle. Here is how the Foxes might adapt for their upcoming fixtures.
Scenario 1: Sticking with the 4-2-3-1 (Away/Standard)
If Rowett maintains his preferred away shape, he needs a new “Number 10” to provide creativity behind the striker.
- Bobby De Cordova-Reid: The frontrunner. He has the experience Rowett trusts and is coming off a successful international stint with Jamaica.
- Divine Mukasa: A natural fit who sparkled early in Rowett’s tenure, though his form has dipped slightly in recent weeks.
- Aaron Ramsey: The “wildcard” option. The Burnley loanee is finally back from hamstring issues and illness, but his lack of match fitness since October makes him a risky start.
Scenario 2: The 4-3-3 “Home” System
At the King Power Stadium, Rowett has recently utilized two “Number 8” midfielders. Replacing James’s box-to-box energy in this system is more difficult without leaving the team defensively exposed.
The Three Tactical Adjustments
- The Reliable Pivot: Reintroduce Harry Winks to the base of midfield, allowing Oliver Skipp to push forward into the more advanced “eight” role.
- The Untapped Resource: Start Joe Aribo. Despite his pedigree, the Southampton loanee is yet to earn a start under Rowett and remains an experimental choice.
- The Youth Prospect: Recall Louis Page. While former manager Marti Cifuentes viewed the teenager as James’s natural successor, Rowett’s preference for veteran experience makes this the least likely outcome.
The Bottom Line
Leicester has the squad depth to fill the physical gap left by Jordan James, but replacing his goal-scoring instinct and work rate in a relegation scrap will be Rowett’s toughest challenge since taking the job in February.
